CES Letter Foundation
Is It Credible?
Embedded Files
The author of the CES Letter presented himself as a sincere and concerned member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appearing to seek honest answers about Church history. In reality, he grossly misrepresents his true intentions and background. Rather than conducting original research, he compiled a collection of misinformation—much of it outdated and already widely discredited. Given his deception about his identity and motives, it is reasonable to question the accuracy and reliability of the content within the letter itself. This pattern of misrepresentation undermines the CES Letter’s credibility as a source of truthful information about the Church.
CES LETTER - JUST A SINCERE TRUTH SEEKER?
CES LETTER - JUST A SINCERE TRUTH SEEKER?
The author of the CES Letter presents himself as a genuine seeker of truth who was unable to find answers to his questions, a narrative that garnered significant sympathy within the Church community and quickly went viral. However, both his story and the so-called “facts” in the letter are entirely fabricated. Comprehensive research by Michael Peterson and Jacob Hess conclusively demonstrates that the author deliberately misrepresented his claim of an innocent search for truth.
The author of the CES Letter presents himself as a genuine seeker of truth who was unable to find answers to his questions, a narrative that garnered significant sympathy within the Church community and quickly went viral. However, both his story and the so-called “facts” in the letter are entirely fabricated. Comprehensive research by Michael Peterson and Jacob Hess conclusively demonstrates that the author deliberately misrepresented his claim of an innocent search for truth.
The author is not a historian, theologian, linguist, or credentialed scholar in LDS studies. He didn’t uncover new evidence; he simply compiled misinformation already circulating, some of which were decades old.
This video is Interviewing Michael Peterson about the credibility of the author of the letter. Part 1
This video is Interviewing Michael Peterson about the credibility of the author of the letter. Part 1
Interviewing Michael Peterson about the credibility of the author and the origins of the letter . Part 2
RESPONSES TO THE CES LETTER
RESPONSES TO THE CES LETTER
A website and associated YouTube channel dedicated to answering accusations in the letter, by Dr Steven Harper, a professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University, and former historian for the Church History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Light and Truth Letter
Light and Truth Letter
Who better to provide a response to the CES Letter than someone who was impacted by its content? Austin Fife has recently published his own letter, a fascinating culmination of his 10 year search for more light and truth.
A Faithful Reply
A Faithful Reply
Jim Bennett authored a document that presents a comprehensive response to the letter. Drawing on his extensive research, Bennett provides a detailed line-by-line rebuttal to the accusations. His writing style is both engaging and approachable, making it an effortless read. The full PDF version of his response can be accessed by clicking here
A Closer Look
A Closer Look
This free PDF download is yet another point-by-point rejoinder to the CES Letter. This document is a collaborative effort between the Interpreter Foundation and FairMormon. Together, they provide a comprehensive rebuttal to the criticisms put forward in the CES Letter. Click Here
Bamboozled
Bamboozled
Michael R. Ash authored this document that presents a more generalized response, although it still addresses the majority of the issues raised in the letter. The document is meticulously researched and skillfully written, providing a thorough and thoughtful rebuttal to the criticisms leveled at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click Here
MORE INFO ABOUT THE CES LETTER FOUNDATION: https://lettertomywife.com/ces-letter-foundation/
https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Sarah_Allen_CES_Response_Posts
MORE INFO ABOUT THE CES LETTER FOUNDATION: https://lettertomywife.com/ces-letter-foundation/
https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Sarah_Allen_CES_Response_Posts
From the Keystone channel, David Snell analyzes the claim made by the letters' author that the witnesses of the plates only saw them in imaginary form.
CES LETTER AND THE BOOK OF MORMON TRANSLATION
CES LETTER AND THE BOOK OF MORMON TRANSLATION
Book of Mormon Translation
CES Letter Angle: Emphasizes 'stone in the hat' method as proof Joseph fabricated the text.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ FAIR: Book of Mormon Translation overview (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Book_of_Mormon/Translation)
⦁ Book of Mormon Central: 'Why Did Joseph Use a Seer Stone in a Hat?' (link: https://scripturecentral.org/knowhy/why-was-a-stone-used-as-an-aid-in-translating-the-book-of-mormon?searchId=6eaf2627d467d42c429b50c9629e3d5667395974cf8b2790895e828bdf829ffa-en)
⦁ Royal Skousen: Book of Mormon Critical Text Project (link: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol57/iss3/5/)
CES LETTER AND BOOK OF MORMON DNA
CES LETTER AND BOOK OF MORMON DNA
Book of Mormon & DNA
CES Letter Angle: Claims Native American DNA disproves Israelite ancestry.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ FAIR: DNA and the Book of Mormon (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Identifying_ancient_DNA_related_to_Book_of_Mormon_people)
⦁ Interpreter Foundation: 'Book of Mormon and Genetic Science: A Reappraisal' (link: https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/is-decrypting-the-genetic-legacy-of-americas-indigenous-populations-key-to-the-historicity-of-the-book-of-mormon/)
⦁ Ugo Perego (BYU Geneticist) articles on DNA and ancient migrations (link: https://rsc.byu.edu/no-weapon-shall-prosper/book-mormon-origin-native-americans-maternally-inherited-dna-standpoint)
CES LETTER AND THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM
CES LETTER AND THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM
Book of Abraham
CES Letter Angle: Argues surviving papyri fragments prove Joseph’s translation false.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ Gospel Topics Essay: Translation and Historicity of the Book of Abraham (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/abraham-book-of?lang=eng)
⦁ John Gee: An Introduction to the Book of Abraham (link: https://rsc.byu.edu/book/introduction-book-abraham)
⦁ Interpreter Foundation: Missing scroll and revelatory translation theories (link: https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/framing-the-book-of-abraham-presumptions-and-paradigms/)
CES LETTER - POLYGAMY & POLYANDRY
CES LETTER - POLYGAMY & POLYANDRY
Polygamy & Polyandry
CES Letter Angle: Portrays Joseph Smith as deceptive and predatory.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ Gospel Topics Essay: Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo)
⦁ Brian Hales: Joseph Smith’s Polygamy (website + books) (link: https://josephsmithspolygamy.org/)
⦁ FAIR: Resources on polygamy age, consent, and sealing theology (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Plural_marriage)
CES LETTER AND THE FIRST VISION ACCOUNTS
CES LETTER AND THE FIRST VISION ACCOUNTS
First Vision Accounts
CES Letter Angle: Claims differing versions show Joseph fabricated the story.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ Gospel Topics Essay: First Vision Accounts (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts)
⦁ FAIR: 'Are there contradictions in Joseph Smith’s First Vision accounts?' (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Multiple_accounts_of_the_First_Vision)
⦁ Richard L. Bushman: Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (link: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Rough-Stone-Rolling/dp/1400077532)
CES LETTER AND PROPHETIC FALLIBILITY & CHURCH LEADERSHIP
CES LETTER AND PROPHETIC FALLIBILITY & CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Prophetic Fallibility & Church Leadership
CES Letter Angle: Points to errors (Adam–God, racism) as proof prophets cannot be trusted.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ Gospel Topics Essay: Race and the Priesthood (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/race-and-the-priesthood)
⦁ Terryl & Fiona Givens: The Crucible of Doubt (link: https://www.amazon.com/Crucible-Doubt-Reflections-Quest-Faith/dp/1609079426)
⦁ FAIR: 'Do prophets have to be infallible?' (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Question:_Do_Mormons_consider_their_prophets_to_be_infallible%3F)
CES LETTER AND CHURCH HISTORY TRANSPARENCY
CES LETTER AND CHURCH HISTORY TRANSPARENCY
Church History Transparency
CES Letter Angle: Accuses the Church of hiding its history.
LDS Scholarly Responses:
⦁ Saints, Vol. 1–2 (Church History series) (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1?lang=eng)
⦁ Transparency in Church history (link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/transparency-about-church-history-questions?lang=eng)
⦁ FAIR: 'Did the Church hide its history?' (link: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Alleged_hiding_of_facts_in_Church_history)
CES LETTER FOUNDATION NONPROFIT STATUS
CES LETTER FOUNDATION NONPROFIT STATUS
The CES Letter Foundation nonprofit status appears to have been revoked by the IRS...
...However, their website still claims they are a nonprofit organization. This should be concerning to anyone still donating to this foundation, as their donation is no longer tax deductable as their website suggests.
Note: It is possible that the Foundation has been reinstated, however, it seems unlikely since they have not provided IRS 990 documentation since 2019
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